A program launcher should provide quick access to the programs and documents on your computer. A key feature of any launcher is actuation, i.e. how it is opened. Some program launchers attach themselves to the taskbar, other launchers may use hotkeys or some other strategy. Essentially, a program launcher must be quick and simple to open.

Maverick offers several actuation methods...

• Magic ActuatorsThese are transparent bars, two pixels high, located at the top and/or bottom of the screen. Just click to open the launch window.

• RemnantsThese are permanently visible blobs on the edge of the screen. You can choose to have launch windows activate with or without a mouse click.

• Hotkeys and Taskbar IconThese are always available irrespective of other choices.

• Application BarStrictly, this isn't an actuation method, but if you create an application bar it will be permanently visible. A buttonbar on the left edge of the screen, with captions displayed as hints, may be ideal if you have a particularly large monitor. This can include buttons that open other launch windows.